Originally developed by John Browning for Colt, the "Potato Digger" used an early style gas port system for power, linked to a relatively novel lever action mechanism. This mechanism uses a long, heavy swing arm to drive the action, which could strike the ground during the firing cycle (hence the nickname), but which also helped keep the cyclic rate to a manageable level. It would see limited use with the U.S. military as an infantry and vehicle weapon, as well as being contracted by Russia and Italy. Fitted with a blade front and flip-up elevation adjustable rear sights, heavily ribbed barrel and a wooden pistol grip. The barrel and receiver are both Marlin marked, with "NO.699" on the former and "NO.467" on the latter. Included with the lot is a green painted brass tripod, with integral traverse and elevation adjustment, proper clearance for the swing arm, and a swiveling wood seat, the latter fitted with a small metal tag marked "CO.B.29.M.G.BN.", suggesting issue to Company B of the 29th Machine Gun Battalion, which was formed from a number of companies taken from the 29th Infantry Brigade, active c.1918-1920.